9 times the Cannes film festival turned into a runway for exquisite vintage fashion

The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival has turned out to be everything a movie buff and fashion connoisseur expects out of the event. Not only have our favourite actresses graced the red carpet, but they have done so in style. From Natalie Portman once again embracing archival Dior to Jennifer Lawrence's Dior dress inspired by 1940s design to Dakota Johnson's fringe-detailed Gucci gown that is reminiscent of the 1920s, vintage-inspired looks have been at the heart of the Cannes Film Festival this year. 

But it's not the first time that archival pieces have stolen the show at Cannes; Kirsten Durst embraced the butter-yellow trend back in 2016 when she wore a 1950s-style dress by Dior, and Bella Hadid turned heads in 2022 when she donned a rare white dress from 1996 by Tom Ford for Gucci. Keep reading to take a look at the best archival and vintage-inspired celebrity looks that graced the Cannes red carpet. 

6 BEST ARCHIVAL CANNES RED CARPET LOOK OF ALL TIME

1. Natalie Portman 

Not once but twice, Natalie Portman has stunned at the Cannes Film Festival in archival Dior. In 2025, the 43-year-old actress walked the coveted film festival donning a black and silver Dior gown featuring a velvet ribbon around the chest. A silver sequin-encrusted bustier characterised the strapless gown that flowed into a silver feather-like design adorned with crystals. She accessorised with floral jewellery from Tiffany & Co. This look paid homage to Christian Dior's 1951 couture piece. 

Back in 2023, Natalie Portman arrived on the red carpet in a couture gown by Dior inspired by the 'Junon' dress from 1949. The strapless gown featured a white bodice and a layered skirt in the shape of overlapping flower petals embroidered with blue ombre sequins for a dramatic effect. Both looks are inspired by archival Dior, a brand she has shared immense appreciation for beyond her role as a brand ambassador and are easily some of the actress's best looks to date. 

2. Amal Clooney

Amal Clooney walked down the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in a vintage gown by John Galliano during his time at Dior. The glamorous off-the-shoulder black gown featured a sweetheart neckline and a dramatic train that wrapped around her, defying the new Cannes film festival dress-code rules. She paired the lovely design with diamond drop earrings and several silver cocktail rings while carrying a sleek black clutch. Smokey eye and nude lip makeup combo accompanied her all-black look. 

3. Bella Hadid 

In 2022, Bella Hadid walked the Cannes red carpet in a rare Tom Ford for Gucci cut-out gown from autumn/winter 1996, pairing the full-length white dress with white strappy heels, a statement diamond ring and diamond earrings.

In 2024, the 28-year-old model donned a black sheer-bodiced Atelier Versace gown from the house's spring/summer 2001 collection.  

4. Princess Diana

It would be wrong not to include the late people's princess to the list. The then-princess of Wales, Diana, walked the Cannes red carpet in 1987 wearing an icy blue tulle gown by Catherine Walker as a tribute to Princess Grace of Monaco, aka Grace Kelly. Kelly wore a blue chiffon gown designed by Edith Head in the movie To Catch A Thief, Princess Diana's dress was inspired by the same look. She paired the dress with icy-blue heels and blue drop earrings, making it one of her most iconic looks. 

5. Jennifer Lawrence 

You can always count on Jennifer Lawrence to bring Drama on the Cannes red carpet; she and Robert Pattinson were the talk of the town as the two walked the red carpet together this year for the premiere of their film, Die. Lawrence brought the old-school Hollywood style to Cannes with her Christian Dior design. The off-white, silk taffeta dress worn by her was inspired by a 1949 Poulenc dress from the label. 

6. Irina Shayk 

Irina Shayk walked down the Cannes red carpet in a vintage Yves Saint Laurent all black gown. The full-sleeved gown featured a boat neck and a high-low skirt, paired with black tights and black heels.

9. Janhvi Kapoor 

Janhvi Kapoor opted for a Christian Dior 1957 haute couture black slub silk dress while attending a press conference for Homebound at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. She paired her look with long black gloves, diamond earrings from Birdichand jewellers and a brooch from Raneik jewellers. She channelled 1950s glamour, opting for winged eyeliner and styling her hair in aneat bun.